8 Days: Explore Morocco’s Kasbahs, Mountains & Desert

At 9:30 AM, the guided tour of Marrakech's medina begins with our official Spanish-speaking guide. We will start by visiting the Koutoubia Minaret (12th century), a beautiful structure that is now the spiritual center of Marrakech and often referred to as the sister of Seville’s Giralda. Next, we will head to the Saadian Tombs (16th century), known for its stunning central marble dome. Afterward, we will explore the Bahia Palace (19th century), a prime example of aristocratic life in medieval Muslim Morocco, with its famous cedar wood ceiling in the Ambassador’s Hall. Finally, we will visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour concludes, and you will have the rest of the afternoon free. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

We depart from Marrakech towards the pre-Saharan Oasis Valley, an area populated by Berber communities. This marks the beginning of the Thousand Kasbahs Route, where ksour (fortified villages) and adobe dwellings seamlessly blend with the landscape, almost disappearing into the surroundings. As we venture deeper into the heart of the Atlas Mountains, we will cross Tizi n'Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks and valleys. Before arriving in Ouarzazate, we will stop to visit the famous Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This fortified citadel, with its maze of mud-brick walls, has been the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films such as Gladiator, Sahara, Asterix and Obelix, Mission Cleopatra, and many more. Afterward, if desired, we can visit the film studios in Ouarzazate, where iconic movies such as The Jewel of the Nile, Asterix and Cleopatra, and The Ten Commandments are filmed. Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.

After breakfast, we begin our journey by visiting the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. From there, we head to Skoura, located 42 km from Ouarzazate. Founded in the 12th century by Yacoub al-Mansur, Skoura holds a special charm due to its proximity to the desert's tourist capital. The region was historically inhabited by the Berber Haskuren tribe from the Imerhrane, and it is renowned for its olive groves and the exceptional quality of its olive oil. The city is set within a large palm grove, nourished by mountain waters, offering the refreshing coolness of the oasis, complete with a labyrinth of lush gardens sheltered by date palms, pomegranates, and fig trees—an ideal area to explore on foot. The village of Skoura is surrounded by Kasbahs, with the Amridil Kasbah standing out. Dating back to the 17th century, it is currently being restored and houses a small Berber museum, showcasing agricultural tools and everyday life objects from ancient times. Children will enjoy learning how families once lived within these Kasbahs. Next, we head towards the Rose Valley, famous throughout Morocco for the exceptional beauty and fragrance of the roses grown in the Kalaat M’gouna region. The rose harvest in May is celebrated with a grand festival, "El Moussem de las Rosas." Along the way, we will encounter new scenes of daily life. Dinner and overnight stay in the Dades Gorges.

After breakfast, we head towards Tinghir, a small, prosperous town offering a stunning contrast between its pink houses and palm groves, and an ideal starting point for visiting the Todra Gorges. We continue our journey and stop for lunch in Tinejdad, where we will visit the Ksar el Khorbat, an ancient ksar still inhabited today. Some of the homes have been rehabilitated to accommodate visitors, and here we also find an interesting Oasis Museum, supported by Roger Mimó, an expert in the culture and architecture of the region. This is a relatively unknown site, but well worth the visit. After lunch, we drive towards the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a perfect destination for exploration. As we journey through, we’ll encounter oasis after oasis, and witness women and children fetching water, an ever-present part of life in this environment. The landscape will captivate all. Before sunset, we embark on a true desert adventure! We exchange our vehicle for 8x8 transport: camels, which will take us deep into the heart of the desert. We pause to admire the breathtaking sunset. Upon arrival (weather permitting and with ample time), we are greeted with refreshing tea and an exquisite Berber dinner, all accompanied by the rhythmic music of tam-tams (drums). This will be a truly unique and unforgettable evening, under a sky filled with countless stars. We will spend the night in a traditional Berber tent. Dinner and overnight stay in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes).

We are now deep in the desert, immersed in the magic of the dunes, and the stunning spectacle will make the early wake-up call worthwhile. After breakfast, we have the chance to enjoy a thrilling Sandboarding activity, suitable for the entire family. Around midday, we head towards Rissani, coinciding with the weekly market day (Thursday), one of the most impactful and spectacular markets in southern Morocco. It is a rare opportunity to experience a lively, local market where the air is filled with colors, smells, and sensations. We then continue our journey towards Tamnougalt via Tazarine, Alnif, and Nkob. Although the landscape is similar to the previous day's, notable changes appear as we drive along the road south of the Anti Atlas mountains. The black stone here contrasts beautifully with the carefully crafted adobe buildings, and we pass numerous kasbahs and palmeries—less lush, but still cultivated and rich in character. We will have lunch on the route and proceed towards Tamnougalt. Upon arrival, we can visit the Kasbah if time and energy allow, or we can explore it the following morning. In this small village, we will have the opportunity to interact with local families and gain insight into their ancient culture, where solidarity and generosity are commonplace, and daily life is characterized by simplicity. Dinner and overnight stay in Tamnougalt. If time allows, we can also stop in Alnif to view fossils, as this area is one of the richest in Morocco when it comes to fossils.

Today, we will journey through the stunning Draa Valley on our way back to Marrakech. Along the way, we'll make stops at different locations from our previous journey, allowing you to see new landscapes and enjoy different scenic views. By mid-afternoon, we will arrive back in Marrakech, where you will have time to relax or continue exploring the city on your own. End of the tour.